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Jul 20 2012

LBP and Henkel create hot-cup sleeve for Starbucks

US-based LBP Manufacturing and Henkel adhesive have joined forces to manufacture a new hot-cup sleeve for the Starbucks Coffee Company.

The new EarthSleeve uses technology that enables a reduction in overall raw fibre material by 34%, and an increase of post-consumer content by 25%, which is equivalent to a saving of nearly 100,000 trees.

The EarthSleeve, which is being evaluated for global usage, is currently being introduced into Starbucks locations across the US and Canada.

Besides substantial decreases in raw material makeup and a total usage of 85% post-consumer fibre content, the EarthSleeve reduces the overall environmental impact of the transportation of the sleeves as it allows for a case cube and truckload yield improvement of 15%.

Western Michigan University has recently approved the product for repulpability, which is also deemed fully compostable by both ASTM and Cedar Grove requirements.

Henkel Paper Converting vice president John Meccia said the introduction of the EarthSleeve represents an achievement in adhesive formulation.

"Creating a formula that would allow for user experience on par with traditional sleeves, but effectively facilitate the removal of fibre, framed every aspect of the cooperative effort. Successfully meeting the technical objectives was truly a feat," Meccia added.

Of the nearly three billion hot cup sleeves produced in the US in 2011, Starbucks represents nearly half of the marketplace.

Starbucks sources and roasts quality arabica coffee and has stores around the globe.

Image: The new EarthSleeve hot-cup sleeve created for Starbucks is currently being introduced into locations across the US and Canada. Photo: Business Wire.